CNC Lathe Machinist - 2nd Shift

Aerospace Precision ManufacturingAgawam, Massachusetts

Reports To: Operations Manager / Lead Machinist

Position Overview

Our CNC Lathe Machinists play a critical role in the manufacture of high-precision aerospace components. This position is designed for a strong machinist who takes ownership of setup quality, process discipline, and results on the floor.

The CNC Lathe Machinist is responsible for independently setting up, operating, and optimizing multi-axis CNC turning centers to produce complex, tight-tolerance parts from challenging aerospace materials. This role goes beyond machine operation, requiring sound technical judgment, advanced blueprint and GD&T interpretation, and proactive problem-solving in collaboration with Engineering and Quality.

Success in this position demands precision, accountability, and pride in workmanship. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment, values doing the job right the first time, and contributes to continuous improvement through expertise, reliability, and disciplined execution within AS9100 quality standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Independently set up, prove out, and operate CNC lathes with C-axis and Y-axis capability using jaws of various sizes as well as 16C and 5C collets.
• Run multi-axis CNC turning centers with live tooling, sub-spindles, and Y-axis features when required.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Select cutting tools, workholding, jaws, collets, fixtures, and inspection methods appropriate for each operation.
• Machine high-value aerospace components to extremely tight tolerances with a strong focus on repeatability and first-pass yield.
• Work with challenging materials including Inconel, titanium, hardened steels, stainless alloys, and other heat-resistant aerospace materials.
• Perform first article work and in-process verification using advanced metrology tools and precision measuring techniques.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, offsets, and tooling strategies to maintain dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and process stability.
• Identify and resolve machining, tooling, workholding, and dimensional issues proactively, collaborating with Engineering and Quality when required.
• Ensure strict compliance with AS9100 quality systems, documentation, traceability requirements, and applicable aerospace standards.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workspace aligned with lean manufacturing and 5S principles.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3-7 years of CNC lathe setup and operation experience in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Strong CNC lathe machining experience with C-axis and Y-axis work, jaws of various sizes, and 16C / 5C collet setups.
• Strong multi-axis CNC turning background; live tooling, sub-spindle, and Y-axis experience preferred.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated success producing complex parts and accurate first articles with minimal supervision.
• Hands-on experience with precision inspection equipment and dimensional verification.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace documentation requirements preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accountability, and pride in workmanship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Okuma and/or Fanuc controls.
• Background in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing environments.
• Technical degree or certification in Machining Technology or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Prior experience supporting prototype, low-volume, high-mix aerospace work.

Why Join Parts Tool & Die

At Parts Tool & Die, we value craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement. We invest in our people, equipment, and processes to ensure our machinists have the tools and support they need to excel. This role offers challenging work, competitive compensation, stable leadership, and the opportunity to make a real impact on critical aerospace programs.

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